NRM Tells Flag Losers to Back Official Candidates in LC1 Elections

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has asked members who lost the party flag for the Local Council One chairperson elections to stand down from independent campaigns and support officially endorsed candidates. The appeal was made ahead of the July 28 village chairperson polls, with party leaders warning that internal competition could divide the NRM vote and create space for opposition candidates.

According to the report, State Minister for Kampala and Nakaseke Central MP Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye made the call during a regional NRM leaders’ meeting at Luweero Guest House. The gathering brought together officials from the Greater Luweero sub-region, covering Luweero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts, to plan for the elections. Participants were told that some unsuccessful aspirants had chosen to run as independents, including candidates said to have notable grassroots backing.

Kyofatogabye argued that the party should only rally behind flag bearers, saying they were the candidates trusted to advance the NRM manifesto and help monitor government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model. Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, who is coordinating NRM mobilisation in the area, also urged voters to back party candidates and said President Yoweri Museveni had instructed leaders to rebuild support and unity in Greater Luweero.

The report said mobilisation meetings were expected to begin on Tuesday, with village leaders due to receive campaign materials and facilitation. Luweero District NRM Chairperson Sam Buchanan expressed confidence in a strong NRM showing, while leaders pledged to step up mobilisation for both LC1 chairperson and women representative races.